Cultural Vandalism and the Rotten Rewriting of Roald Dahl

Ok, I’m officially triggered.

Perhaps I’m being a tad melodramatic here but I’ve just read that 100’s of Roald Dahl’s words will be ‘updated’ for ‘relevancy’ by Puffin in their latest print run of his books. This is linked to the recent acquisition by Netflix of the Roald Dahl Story Company.

This is horrendous news, in my opinion, and nothing but cultural vandalism, politicking and purging one of the world’s best loved authors and stripping him of his own unique spirit.

“Having power is not nearly as important as what you choose to do with it.” — Roald Dahl

As someone who grew up on his books, what stood him apart WAS his wonderfully descriptive (and sometimes outrageous) use of language. It is what captivates a child’s mind and brings the character to life. That’s how we understand how monstrous the Trunchbull is, how ginormous Augustus Gloop is and how despicable Mr Twit’s beard is.

Have our sensitivities really become that brittle? I understand times have changed but but perhaps a warning at the start would have sufficed. Disney did the same with Dumbo. Instead a new generation of kids won’t get to read Roald in its full razzle-dazzle.

“Children are not so…